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Pabst Blue Ribbon could save the Twinkie

Every weekday, PR Daily associate editor Alan Pearcy highlights the day’s most compelling stories and amusing marginalia on the Web in this, #TheDailySpin.

With our country perched on a “cliff” of fiscal adversity, Pabst Blue Ribbon stands as a beacon of hope for hipsters Americans, assuring us that not all hope should be lost. In the face of economic hardship, the brewer grew its consumer base and now it could salvage one of our nation’s most beloved brands. Gothamist reports that PBR owner C. Dean Metropoulos expressed interest in possibly making a bid for Hostess in the event that union mediation can’t save our treasured Twinkies.

UPDATE:Mediation failed, and Hostess plans to continue its path toward closing up shop. No word on whether PBR will swoop in and save the day.

If that doesn’t make you happy, I don’t know what will. Actually, I do. According to a recent study from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, sex ranked at the top of the list of activities that make people happy, followed by drinking and volunteering—naturally. As for our least desirable activities, Facebook was No. 2, just below recovering from being sick, but ahead of housework.

For me, any pleasure found in shopping—which is No. 9 on the favorable activities list—quickly fades once the holidays roll around. However, technology is helping consumers beat the lines this year, even before Black Friday hits. An online survey from Harris Interactive and Digitas found that 28 percent of smartphone or tablet-owning adults plan to shop Thanksgiving Day using their mobile devices.

The trend may have even incited a new catchphrase: “post-pie” commerce.

It’d take one heck of a sales event—probably a few “post-pie” bottles of wine—before you’d convince me to fork over $1,400 for an ugly Christmas sweater, but that’s precisely what high-fashion label Meadham Kirkchoff is asking for its new wonder of holiday wear. Scratch that: $1,395.

Beyond the Thanksgiving table, the holidays also mark a special time of year for brands looking to add a dash of flavor to their marketing mix. From Cinnamon & Sugar Pringles to a Turkey and Gravy Jones Soda, which of these new seasonal savors are you most excited about trying?

Burger King, which also made the list for its Gingerbread Cookie Sundae, is bringing more than the gift of flavor this holiday season. The fast food chain is expanding the test of its BK Delivery service to New York City, as well as Washington, D.C., Houston, and Miami.

Not surprisingly, Starbucks also made the holiday flavors list. However, do be wary of the hidden dangers lurking in that Peppermint Mocha Latte. Time reports on what people should know about their caffeine consumption.